Google Moves Pixel Phone Development Process from China to Vietnam

Google moves Pixel development to Vietnam (photo: dok. Google)

Google is reportedly moving almost all of its Pixel phone development outside of China. Starting this year, production and assembly will be done in Vietnam.

According to a report by Nikkei Asia, quoted by Reuters, this move will include the New Product Introduction (NPI) phase, the most crucial phase in launching new electronic devices. This decision will turn Vietnam into a center of technical innovation for Google.

This 'from scratch' assembly outside China will apply to all Pixel models, from the standard, Pro, to the Fold. This NPI process involves hundreds of engineers to verify, refine the design, to test the mass production equipment.

The success of this stage is very important in determining whether a new product can be launched according to schedule without technical failure. Therefore, according to Chang's Industrial Truck Analyst, "Moving the NPI process to another country is a key indicator of the supply chain's ability to operate independently."

Reportedly, the devices that were moved were only the top-of-the-line Pixel series. For the more affordable model, the Pixel A series, the device is still being developed in China. This shows that Google has not overhauled its production system as a whole.

Google's move follows the trend of other global technology companies seeking to diversify supply chains to reduce dependence on one region. This effort is also driven by changes in trade tariffs and geopolitical uncertainties that have continued since last year.

The shift in development to Vietnam is expected to begin with the Pixel 11 series, which is scheduled to be released in the second half of this year. This move is also beneficial to Vietnam because the country can strengthen its position as one of the most advanced electronic manufacturing centers in Southeast Asia.